Norwegian Authorities Secure Damaged Cargo Ship Carrying Hazardous Materials

Norwegian authorities have successfully managed a potential maritime crisis involving the cargo ship RUBY, which sought emergency port in Tromsø harbor due to hull damage after a grounding.

The Malta-registered vessel, carrying 20,000 tons of ammonium nitrate, a potentially explosive chemical compound, has been moved to a safe anchorage off Vannøya.

Multiple Norwegian agencies, including the Maritime Authority, Coastal Administration, Directorate for Civil Protection and Emergency Planning (DSB), and Troms Police District, collaborated to address the situation. The ship underwent a port state control inspection on September 3, resulting in its detention.

Despite the vessel’s compromised condition, officials emphasize that it does not pose an increased risk compared to its normal operations. “The ship, as it lies now, does not pose a greater risk than when it has been in normal operation,” stated the Norwegian Maritime Authority.

To ensure safety, authorities have implemented several key measures, including establishing a 500-meter safety zone around the vessel, deploying a tug boat to remain on-site, and maintaining continuous monitoring through the Norwegian Coastal Administration’s vessel traffic service center in Vardø.

The ship’s current location, approximately 3 km southeast of Vannøy in Karlsøy municipality, is deemed sufficiently distant from populated areas. “Our main focus is the safety of the population,” a DSB official commented.

Moving forward, Norwegian authorities will work closely with the flag state (Malta) and the classification society (DNV) to determine the next steps for the vessel.

“Our priority is safety,” the Norwegian Maritime Authority said.

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